Meek wins, overcomes 5-to-1 cash disadvantage

Despite being outspent 5-to-1, Kendrick Meek won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, beating billionaire political novice Jeff Greene.

Greene had been leading in the polls until the last week of the election. The news is seen as good news for Republican Marco Rubio, who defeated token opposition tonight to take the GOP nomination.

In general-election polls, Meek has been consistently in third place, behind Gov. Charlie Crist and Rubio. Crist, who has led in many general-election polls, is running in an independent bid. He switched parties after he appeared to have little chance of upending Rubio in a Republican primary.

Crist could have benefited from Democratic voters who may have decided Greene's baggage was too much. Now, it may be difficult for establishment Democrats to back a Crist bid -- even if Meek appears to have little chance of winning.

Greene was criticized for making millions by shorting subprime mortgages. His quirky off-field company was also an issue. Mike Tyson was the best man at his wedding, and he was tied to former Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss and actress Lindsey Lohan.